Hotel Indigo is a mid-range hotel brand owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Indigo is a chain of boutique-style hotels operated by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's largest hotel companies. Each Hotel Indigo property is designed around the local character of its neighborhood — the décor, amenities, and dining reflect the city or region where it sits. The brand positions itself between budget chains and luxury properties, with rooms typically priced in the mid-range.

Hotel Indigo properties exist in major cities and smaller destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Unlike some hotel chains where every location looks identical, Hotel Indigo encourages each property to feel distinct. You'll find different architectural styles, local artwork, and regional restaurant menus from one Hotel Indigo to another.

When you book a Hotel Indigo room, you're booking through IHG's reservation system, which means you can earn and redeem points through the IHG One Rewards loyalty program — the same program used across all IHG brands.

Key Takeaways

  • Hotel Indigo is owned by IHG and designed to reflect local character, with each property having its own style rather than a standardized look.
  • Rooms typically include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a business center, though specific amenities vary by location.
  • You earn IHG One Rewards points when you stay, which you can redeem for free nights or other rewards across any IHG brand.
  • Hotel Indigo properties are usually smaller than chain hotels, with 100 to 300 rooms rather than 500 or more.
  • Booking directly through the Hotel Indigo website or calling the property often gives you access to member rates and special offers.

Standard amenities and room features at Hotel Indigo

Most Hotel Indigo rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, and a modern bathroom. Many properties have a fitness center open to all guests, and some offer a business center with computers and printing services. The specific amenities depend on the individual property — a Hotel Indigo in a downtown urban location may have different offerings than one in a smaller town.

Rooms are generally smaller than at full-service luxury hotels but larger than at budget chains. You'll typically find a queen or king bed, a desk area, and a bathroom with a shower or tub. Some Hotel Indigo locations offer suites with separate living areas, though these cost more.

Many Hotel Indigo properties have an on-site restaurant or bar that serves breakfast and dinner. Some include a complimentary breakfast for members or guests booking certain room types, though this varies by property and season. Before booking, check the specific location's website to see what's included with your room rate.

How the IHG One Rewards program works when you stay at Hotel Indigo

When you book a Hotel Indigo room, you can link your stay to an IHG One Rewards account to earn points. You earn points based on the room rate you pay — typically 10 points per dollar spent, though elite members earn more. These points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for free nights at any IHG property, including Hotel Indigo.

IHG One Rewards is free to join. You create an account on the IHG website or through the IHG mobile app, then provide your membership number when you make a reservation. The points post to your account after you check out, not before.

You can also earn points by using an IHG co-branded credit card for purchases outside of hotels. Some cards offer bonus points when you first open the account, and additional points for every dollar you spend on the card. These points combine with your hotel stay points in the same account.

Redeeming points for free nights and other rewards

Once you've accumulated points, you can redeem them for a free night at any IHG property, including Hotel Indigo. The number of points required depends on the property's category — a Hotel Indigo in a major city typically costs more points than one in a smaller location. IHG publishes the point cost for each property on its website.

You can also redeem points for airline miles through IHG's transfer partners, though the exchange rate is typically less favorable than using points for hotel nights. Some members prefer to save points specifically for free hotel stays rather than converting them to miles.

Points don't expire as long as you have some account activity — a stay, a credit card purchase, or even logging into your account — at least once every 24 months. If your account goes inactive for more than 24 months, IHG may close it and forfeit your points.

Elite status tiers and member benefits

IHG One Rewards has several elite status levels: Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite, and Platinum Premier Elite. You reach each tier by staying a certain number of nights or earning a certain number of points in a calendar year. Higher tiers come with benefits like room upgrades (when available), late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and bonus points on stays.

Even without elite status, IHG One Rewards members receive a member rate when booking directly with IHG, which is often lower than the public rate. Members also get free Wi-Fi at all IHG properties, whereas non-members may have to pay for internet access at some locations.

Elite status carries over to the next calendar year if you reach it by December 31st. Some members maintain status by using an IHG credit card, which grants automatic elite status without requiring stays or points.

How to book a Hotel Indigo room and what to expect

You can book a Hotel Indigo room through the main IHG website (ihg.com), the Hotel Indigo website, third-party booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com, or by calling the property directly. Booking through IHG's own website or the property's phone line typically gives you access to member rates and ensures your IHG One Rewards points are credited to your account.

When you make a reservation, you'll choose your room type (standard, deluxe, suite), select your check-in and check-out dates, and provide a payment method. Most Hotel Indigo properties require a credit card to hold the reservation. Cancellation policies vary — some rooms are non-refundable, while others allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before arrival.

At check-in, you'll provide identification and a credit card for incidental charges (minibar, room service, parking). Check-in is typically at 3 p.m. and checkout at 11 a.m., though you can request early check-in or late checkout when you arrive — the property will honor it if rooms are available.

Differences between Hotel Indigo and other IHG brands

IHG operates multiple hotel brands at different price points. Hotel Indigo sits in the mid-range, positioned above budget brands like Holiday Inn Express but below luxury brands like InterContinental. Holiday Inn (the full-service version, not Express) is similar in price to Hotel Indigo but typically larger and more standardized in design. Crowne Plaza is positioned slightly higher in price and amenities than Hotel Indigo.

The main distinction of Hotel Indigo is its focus on local character and boutique design. If you prefer a hotel that feels unique to its location rather than a standardized chain experience, Hotel Indigo is designed for that preference. However, all IHG brands use the same rewards program, so earning and redeeming points works the same way across any of them.

Your choice between Hotel Indigo and another IHG brand often comes down to location availability, price, and personal preference for the property's style. A Hotel Indigo may not exist in every city, so you might book a different IHG brand if Hotel Indigo isn't available where you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for Wi-Fi at Hotel Indigo?

No, Wi-Fi is complimentary for all guests at Hotel Indigo properties. If you're an IHG One Rewards member, you also get free Wi-Fi at all other IHG brands. Non-members may have to pay for internet at some other IHG properties, but not at Hotel Indigo.

Can I use my IHG points at Hotel Indigo?

Yes, you can redeem IHG One Rewards points for a free night at any Hotel Indigo property. The number of points required depends on the specific property's category. You can check the point cost for any Hotel Indigo location on the IHG website before you book.

What's the difference between Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn?

Hotel Indigo is designed to reflect local character with unique décor and style at each location, while Holiday Inn (the full-service brand) uses a more standardized design across properties. Both are mid-range IHG brands at similar price points. Hotel Indigo properties are typically smaller and more boutique-focused.

Do Hotel Indigo rooms include breakfast?

Breakfast inclusion varies by property and room type. Some Hotel Indigo locations offer complimentary breakfast for all guests, while others charge extra or offer it only to elite members. Check the specific property's website or call ahead to confirm what's included with your room rate.

How do I earn elite status with IHG One Rewards?

You earn elite status by completing a certain number of nights or earning a certain number of points in a calendar year. You can also earn automatic elite status by holding an IHG co-branded credit card, which grants status without requiring stays. The specific requirements for each tier are listed on the IHG website.